United Way launches 2012 campaign

• United Way

United Way

Talk about it

To celebrate the 2012 United Way campaign kickoff, United Way St. Croix Valley and United Way of Washington County-East held a hot air balloon launch on Thursday, Sept. 6, at Stillwater Balloon in Lakeland.

United Way St. Croix Valley’s campaign chair Cindy Jahnke and United Way of Washington County-East’s campaign chair Joan Beaver “launched” the campaigns in the hot air balloon provided by Stillwater Balloons.

The two United Ways are also teaming with Stillwater Balloons to offer a balloon ride for four United Way supporters. Each United Way will be giving away one certificate for a hot air balloon ride for two via their websites at unitedwaystcroix.org and uwwce.org.

Contest entries will be accepted from Sept. 10-30 and one winner per United Way will be drawn on Oct. 1.

United Way St. Croix Valley will formally begin its 2012 Campaign on Monday, Sept. 17. The annual fundraising appeal, which funds United Way initiatives and more than 60 local nonprofit programs and services serving Pierce, Polk and St. Croix County residents, will run through Nov. 16.

United Way St. Croix Valley’s three focus areas are meeting basic and emergency needs, strengthening children and families and promoting health and independence.

“When we unite together to help one another, we create a stronger community for all,” 2012 Campaign Chair Cindy Jahnke said. “Your gifts really do make a difference right here in the St. Croix Valley.”

“We use the words ‘programs and services’ to discuss the work that our agency partners do but it doesn’t really tell the story of the lives that are changed,” said John Coughlin, United Way St. Croix Valley executive director. “When I see smiles on the faces of children at Grace Place shelter, I see that change because they and their parents now have hope and the support needed to build a strong future.”

For more information on United Way St. Croix Valley or this year’s campaign, visit www.unitedwaystcroix.org or contact John Coughlin at 715-377-0203 ext. 102 or coughlin@unitedwaystcroix.org.

Tags: communities, wisconsin